'Weak monsoon' hits hydropower generation in Punjab, Himachal

The 1500MW Nathpa Jhakri project in Kinnaur, which has been generating around 1600MW daily, is now generating about 1500MW due to reduction in the inflow of water in the Satluj.TNN | September 12, 2016, 00:45 IST

Patiala: Less rain in the higher reaches of Himachal Pradesh has brought hydro-power generation at dams in the hill state and neighbouring Punjab down by 5% to 35%, indicates a report prepared by the New Delhi-headquartered Northern Region Load Despatch Centre (NRLDC) on Sunday.

The fall in power generation is a result of lesser water flowing into the reservoirs of Bhakra (Bilashpur), Pong (Kangra), Kol (Bilaspur), Ranjit Sagar (Pathankot), Chamera (Chamba), and Nathpa Jhakri (Kinnaur) dams, said the report. NRLDC is a subsidary of the Power Grid Corporation of India and is responsible for overseeing power grid operations in North India.

With monsoon expected to end by September 20, it is unlikely that the dams will be filled up in time for generating enough power during winter, when water flow into the dams comes down drastically, as mountain glaciers stop melting. The reservoirs of Bhakra, Pong and Ranjit Sagar dams are yet to be filled up and face a shortfall of 30ft, 19ft and 6 metres, respectively. Apart from producing affordable electricity, these dams also sustain the irrigation system of Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan.

The patron of All India Power Engineers Federation (AIPEF), Padamjit Singh, said the reduction in production of hydro power would hit consumer states financially, as they would have to be more dependent on thermal power for their electricity needs. According to the report, the 800MW Kol dam project on the Satluj river had been operating at more than 100 % capacity for the past several months and generating 850MW daily. However, at present, it is generating only 500MW.

The 1500MW Nathpa Jhakri project in Kinnaur, which has been generating around 1600MW daily, is now generating about 1500MW due to reduction in the inflow of water in the Satluj.